Gluten-Free BBQ

Summers and BBQs are practically synonymous. We don’t BBQ here much in NYC, no lawns or yards really. Sure, there are events in public parks like the now annual BBQ fest hosted by Danny Meyer. Occasionally, an ambitious friend breaks out the hibachi on their tiny terrace, or illegally grills on their tar beach. If you’re lucky, you may get invited to a BBQ in Brooklyn where they do have back yards, albeit small and paved over. If you’re super duper lucky, you may be invited to a green place like Long Island or Westchester for some outdoor fun.

Or, if you’re like me, your cousin invited you to Stamford, CT for a birthday celebration. My cousin, he’s so smart, he had the BBQ catered so it was hands-free for the parents and more fun for everyone. For me it meant a quick chat with the cook/caterer.

Things looked up when I asked her if she could make my burger without a bun, thinking she might steam/grill the bread like White Castle, which she didn't end up doing.

“Do you have celiac?” she asked. Wow, a caterer in Connecticut who’s aware of celiac. Impressive.

I had two patties right off the grill [bypassing the bun platter entirely], with undressed salad, onions, corn on the cob and all was yum.

Maybe it’s because I keep it simple: no condiments, no dessert, no overly processed foods like hot dogs that it’s pretty straightforward to be allergen-free away from home. I know it’s not like that for other allergic folks: Allergic Diner wasn’t so lucky at her husband’s BBQ; Gluten-free Guide fared much better at her BBQ.

For the most part, if I keep it simple, I'm okay. The real test for me comes when traveling farther a field.

I’m heading to Newport, RI this weekend. These coastal towns love their seafood which equals a major issue for me. I get spooked even ordering salad when I know it’s a fish/shellfish fest in a hectic kitchen. So stay tuned for the trip-prep plan a la Mrs. Zum.

Comments

If you have a plan in place (and obviously you will) you'll be fine. Go with your instincts. You've done this enough times to know if the vibe is not good, get water and enjoy the company. Keeping my fingers crossed that you'll have a fabulous, reaction free time!!

I'm very flattered to be mentioned in yesterday's post! The best part of allergic travel? You can always look at menus online before you go - gives you an idea of not only what fish-free alternatives are offered, but contact info so you can call ahead to restaurants and see if they'll accomodate you. Heading out on vacation this weekend as well and I've placed quite a few calls already(alleviates the anxiety). Enjoy your trip and stay allergy-free!AllergicDiner

Hi, not sure how you are getting to Newport but a quick Google search and I found Green Cup Cafe and Gluten Free Bakery in Kingstown, RI. It looks like it is back on the way to up to 95 which might be on your way home? I also did a quick zip code search on the GFRAP website, but all RI restaurants are within 25 miles of Newport. Good luck.

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FIRST TIME HERE?

SLOANE MILLER, MFA, MSW, LMSW

ABOUT ME:

I have had food allergies my entire life. I'm anaphylactic to all tree nuts and salmon; I’m also allergic to eggplant and some types of melons; and OAS to many fruits and vegetables. I live a full life and I am committed to helping other people with food allergies do the same.

Whether through my award-winning blog Please Don’t Pass the Nuts™, my critically acclaimed self-help book Allergic Girl: Adventures in Living Well with Food Allergies, one-on-one counseling with adults and families dealing with food allergies, public speaking engagements or recipe development for national food manufacturing brands, I offer experienced insights and guidance on how to get more out of a life lived with food allergies.

My work has appeared in national and international media, including: ABCNews; Allergic Living; CNN; Huffington Post; New York Magazine; NY1; The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

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Disclaimer

The content on this blog is based on my personal experiences and intended solely for entertainment purposes only. I am not a medical professional and the content on this blog is not to be considered medical advice.